Shipping Manager, Client Service

We are seeking a full-time, on-site Shipping Manager, Client Service professional for our Chicago, IL location. This role is ideal for someone with experience in art handling, inventory management, and client-facing shipping logistics who is passionate about the care and organization of fine art, design, decorative arts, and posters. If you thrive in a detail-oriented, collaborative environment and enjoy working with art, we encourage you to apply. Rago/Wright is a network of leading auction houses specializing in fine art, design, decorative arts, jewelry, watches, posters, and pop culture. With galleries in Chicago, Lambertville, Los Angeles, and New York City, our teams work together to support auctions and exhibitions in a fast-paced, creative environment. Join an industry leader where art, design, and collaboration are at the heart of what we do. Best-in-Class Benefits and Culture: We value our employees’ time and efforts. Our commitment to your success is enhanced by a competitive compensation of $80,000-$95,000 depending on experience, and skillset, an extensive benefits package including: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) with 3% company contribution Basic life insurance (covered by us) Paid personal time off and about 10 company holidays per year, including a holiday break between Christmas and New Year’s Paid parental leave Employee Assistance Program Commuter Benefits Program and free on-site parking Plus, we work to maintain the best environment for our employees, where people can learn and grow with the company. We strive to provide a collaborative, creative environment where everyone feels encouraged to contribute to our processes, decisions, planning, and culture. To thrive/succeed as the Shipping Manager, Client Service you should have: Proven experience building, training, and leading a team from the ground up, ideally within a packing, shipping, or art handling environment Minimum 7 years of experience with packing and shipping unique and fragile art or small decorative arts items and prior experience managing at least a team of 3-4 Strong communication (written and verbal) and excellent organizational skills, with sharp attention to detail Proficiency with standard computer programs and tools, like Outlook and Slack Physical Requirements: lifting, moving, heavy objects (in excess of 50 lbs) Reliable, detail-oriented, able to work efficiently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, and committed to maintaining high standards of accuracy and productivity Team-oriented with a positive, flexible, and proactive mindset Ability and willingness to travel between company locations as needed Committed to maintaining high standards of accuracy and productivity Prior experience in an auction house, gallery, museum, or similar arts environment preferred Your responsibilities as the Shipping Manager, Client Service will include: Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the company’s shipping and packing program, establishing standardized operating procedures, quality standards, and scalable workflows as well as monitor shipping KPIs, vendor scorecards, shipping costs, transit performance, damage claims, and service metrics to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement Source, evaluate, negotiate, and manage relationships with national, regional, and specialized logistics, freight, and white-glove shipping partners to ensure best-in-class service, cost, and performance Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Client Service, Accounting, and Specialist teams to identify process improvements, implement change, and improve the client shipping experience, introducing new shipping technologies, processes, and best practices when possible Travel periodically to our Lambertville, NJ and Los Angeles, CA locations to support packing operations, cross-train staff, and align procedures across all three sites Train and develop team members to ensure successful workflows and conduct regular performance check-ins and skills coaching for packing/handling team members, identifying opportunities for growth and cross-training Provide client service related to shipping for all inbound and outbound inventory including coordinating and leading multiple, concurrent high-touch and/or high-volume shipping quotes for buyers or consignors, property groups located at multiple branch locations, and responding to property-related inquiries Greet and coordinate with shippers, couriers, and clients to release (or receive) property, including communicating professionally with vendors and clients in person, via email or over the phone Assist with post item inventory management that includes lot tagging and preparing for client viewing appointments Help organize and pull sold items for shippers and client pickups Manage and update outgoing shipping calendar with current information regarding shipping/vendor delivery and collection times/dates and maintain accurate data maintenance of picked up and shipped items Pursue buyers and consignors for timely collection of their property from storage, collaborating with Accounting, Specialists, and Warehouse departments Ensure all property is documented in our inventory system, with location and shipment status and process all shipping documents Collaborate with the Handling team and provide support for handling within the warehouse and gallery installations and deinstallations Provide hands-on assistance for high-volume intake appointments as needed Provide support during auction previews and on the day of sale as needed Ready to take ownership of a critical operational function? Join our team and play a key role in shaping and leading a best-in-class shipping and packing program for exceptional works of art and valuable collections. If you are a hands-on leader with a passion for logistics, operational excellence, and team development, we invite you to apply and help deliver an outstanding experience for our clients and partners. We are an equal opportunity employer that welcomes and encourages diversity in the workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Wright Auction House